Full Notification

DATE/TIME: May 18, 2016 / 5:03 a.m.

INCIDENT: Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Conspiracy

LOCATION: 10400 Block of Mountain View Avenue, Loma Linda

SUSPECT(S): Justus Roth, 21 year old resident of Loma Linda
Michael Del Rio, 21 year old resident of San Bernardino
Veronica Cante, 19 year old resident of Rancho Cucamonga
Krystal Maldonado, 20 year old resident of Loma Linda

SUMMARY: On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at about 5:03 a.m., Deputies from the Central Sheriff’s - Loma Linda Station were called to the 10400 block of Mountain View Avenue in the city of Loma Linda, regarding an armed robbery that just occurred.

Through investigation, it was learned Veronica Cante initiated an online conversation with the victim and arranged to meet him in Loma Linda. The victim parked his car and allowed Cante inside. Once inside, Cante unlocked the doors and allowed Justus Roth and Michael Del Rio to get into the back seat of the victim's car. Roth produced a handgun and pointed it at the victim's face. Roth and Del Rio demanded the victim's property.

The victim was forced to drive toward a store to get cash. While driving, the victim saw a police car and jumped out to get help. The suspects fled on foot in various directions. Deputies quickly located Veronica Cante hiding in the back yard of a nearby residence. Witnesses provided a detailed description of the suspect's vehicle and deputies immediately began searching the area.

Within minutes, Deputy J. Burnette located the suspect's vehicle parked in an apartment complex on Redlands Blvd, just east of where the robbery occurred. A short time later, Justus Roth, Michael Del Rio and Krystal Maldonado were observed exiting an apartment and getting into the suspect vehicle. Deputies and detectives were able to detain the suspects.

A search warrant was prepared and the victim's stolen property was located inside the apartment. The loaded handgun described by the victim was also found inside. Items indicating the suspects are involved in drug sales were collected. All four suspects were arrested and booked at Central Detention Center in San Bernardino for their alleged crimes and bail is set at $250,000.

Investigators have reason to believe the same suspects may have attempted to do a similar type crime earlier that morning. The alleged victim of that incident has not yet been identified. Anyone with information regarding the crime being investigated or similar type crimes are encouraged to contact Deputy Bernabe Ortiz or Detective Grant Ward at the Central Sheriff's Station (909) 387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

Refer: Deputy Bernabe Ortiz or Detective Grant Ward

Station: Central

Phone No. (909) 387-3545

Case No. 151600928

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department